25-08-2005
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced the domestic launch of the new March following a minor model change. The new model, whose tagline is "SHIFT_fashion," features a more elegant and modern exterior due to the redesign of the grille, front and rear bumpers, rear combination lamps and other parts. On the inside, the shape of the seats has been restyled, new seat fabric has been adopted and door trim fabric has been added to complete the interior
upgrades.
Four new body colors have been added, including China Blue (M), bringing the total number of body colors available to 12. Ice Blue has also been added as an interior color, for a total of four interior colors.
The new March is now available for the first time with the highly acclaimed HR15DE engine that also powers the Tiida and the Note compact cars.
The model lineup has been revised and the new trim grades (12E, 15E and 14E FOUR) provide improved convenience features at affordable prices. The 12SR*2 model offers a further improved engine, as well as improved handling and aerodynamic performance. The 15SR-A*2 model, which pairs the HR15DE engine with Nissan's XTRONIC CVT (continuously variable transmission), has also been added to the lineup to meet a broader range of customer demands.
In terms of environmental performance, the March is certified as a super ultra-low emission vehicle (SU-LEV)*3 because it emits 75% fewer exhaust emissions than the levels required by Japan's 2005 exhaust emission regulations. The March also qualifies for tax reductions*4 under the Green Tax program in Japan by attaining the 2010 fuel economy standards plus an additional 5%.
*1Nissan group companies use the term lifecare vehicle (LV) to refer to vehicles that are specifically designed to assist persons with special mobility needs in their everyday lives.
*2The 12SR and 15SR-A are produced by Autech Japan, Inc., a wholly-owned Nissan affiliate. These vehicles are required on-site registration at a vehicle inspection and registration office.
*3The low-emission vehicle certification system of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport was inaugurated in April 2000 to encourage the penetration of low-emission vehicles through their selection by consumers. Following the adoption of the 2005 new long-term exhaust emission regulations in September 2003, the system was revised in October of that year to establish two certification categories. Ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) certification requires an additional 50% reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) emissions from the levels mandated by the 2005 exhaust emission regulations, and SU-LEV certification requires an additional 75% reduction of these exhaust gas constituents.
*4For vehicles complying with the requirements of the Green Tax program, the automobile acquisition tax is reduced by 15,000 yen on personal-use vehicles that are newly registered by March 31, 2006, and for SU-LEVs the automobile tax is reduced by 50% for one year beginning from the next fiscal year after a vehicle is registered. However, vehicles that require on-site registration at a vehicle inspection and registration office are not eligible under the program.
Text and photos courtesy of Nissan
